I am but only a man

Strong and confident, and smoldering with fear

Fearful, ever fearful of losing love

But the animal is well hidden

That I know not myself that it is there

But questing always to be reassured

Such is the nature of the beast

The years, they meander, then hasten

Will I ever be rid of the beast?

I knew it was failing; the beast was feeding again

The hurt is too great; its time has come

Its victory forced me to look at it

It was a dark thing; it was jealousy, insecurity and ignorance-

It was made awful by love

But to deny the beast is to kill the love

The beast must be understood

Understanding is the only escape

I understood, and I put the beast to rest

Now I stand before you, naked before the world

Understanding in my heart and love in my mind

But have I lost the fight? I am so vulnerable

I need so much to be loved

Let not my victory be in vain,

That would be too cruel to bear

Let me give away forever my love, for it is boundless

Take it from me, lest it overwhelm me